Thierry Henry, the French striker who last played for the Spanish league champions F.C. Barcelona, has signed a contract to join the Red Bulls as a designated player, the club announced early Wednesday morning.

Henry’s move to the United States and Major League Soccer has been one of the more poorly kept secrets in soccer, but the club made the deal official via text message to its mobile mailing list early Wednesday. It also quickly had the announcement posted on its Web site.

The Red Bulls’ said Henry would make his debut July 22 against the English club Tottenham Hotspur.

Henry is more than just another soccer player, considered one of the icons of the game. Although he had a disappointing season with FC Barcelona, where he was released from his contract, he’s known for spectacular footwork and jaw-dropping goals.

Henry also played on the French team in this year’s World Cup, including a controversial game against Ireland. During that match, Henry hit the ball with his hand to assist on a goal that kept France in the tournament. The referee never called a handball, but Henry later admitted that’s what happened.

Terms of Henry’s agreement with the Red Bulls have not been disclosed. The team will offer details during a news conference Thursday.